Refrigeration device

ABSTRACT

This refrigeration device is provided with an inner box which surrounds a cooling compartment, a refrigerant liquefying device which is disposed at a higher position than the inner box, and refrigerant piping which is connected to the refrigerant liquefying device and which has a sloped section disposed directly above the inner box while being tilted relative to a horizontal plane.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, a refrigeration apparatus including a Stirling refrigerator and a thermosiphon has been proposed as disclosed in PTL 1, for example.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1 -   Japanese Patent Publication No. 6224676

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In a refrigeration apparatus provided with a thermosyphon, a refrigerant utilizes gravity to move inside the thermosyphon. As such, the thermosiphon is disposed along a vertical side of an inner box surrounding a cooling chamber. Thus, in the refrigeration apparatus including the thermosiphon, the side surface of the inner box is cooled by the refrigerant. In other words, in the interior of the cooling chamber surrounded by the inner box, the portion close to the side surface of the inner box is cooled more than the other portions. That is, the interior of the cooling chamber is not uniformly cooled.

Under such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus capable of uniformly cooling the interior of the cooling chamber.

Solution to Problem

A refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inner box surrounding a cooling chamber; a refrigerant liquefier disposed at a position higher than the inner box; and a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant liquefier, the refrigerant pipe including an inclined portion disposed directly above the inner box in a state where the inclined portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a refrigeration apparatus capable of uniformly cooling the interior of the cooling chamber can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of an inner box and a refrigerant pipe which are provided in the refrigeration apparatus according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the inner box and the refrigerant pipe which are provided in a refrigeration apparatus according to another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of refrigeration apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from an obliquely upper rear side. FIG. 2 is a right side view of inner box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50, and second refrigerant pipe 60, which are provided in refrigeration apparatus 1. Note that refrigeration apparatus 1 is a cryogenic freezer, for example.

Refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a heat insulating box body including outer box 10, inner box 20 and a heat insulating material (not illustrated) disposed between outer box 10 and inner box 20. On the front side of the heat insulating box body, door 30 is openably mounted. In addition, at a position higher than the heat insulating box body, refrigerant liquefier 40 is disposed. Note that FIG. 1 is a perspective view that is illustrated such that, for convenience of explanation, other members disposed inside outer box 10, door 30 and refrigerant liquefier 40 are seen therethrough. Note that, below the heat insulating box body, legs or pedestals (not illustrated) for supporting the heat insulating box body are disposed.

Inner box 20 includes, in its interior, a cooling chamber whose front side is open. In other words, the upper, right, left, rear and lower sides of the cooling chamber are surrounded by inner box 20. Note that, unless otherwise stated, in this specification, the right means the right side as viewed from the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1, and the left means the left side as viewed from the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1.

Inner box 20 includes ceiling 21, right side wall 22, rear side wall 23, a left side wall (not illustrated), and bottom 24.

Ceiling 21 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

Right side wall 22, rear side wall 23, and the left side wall are vertical. Right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 are orthogonal to each other in plan view. The left side wall and rear side wall 23 are orthogonal to each other in plan view.

Bottom 24 is horizontal.

Refrigerant liquefier 40 is a device capable of liquefying a refrigerant whose boiling point is cryogenic such as helium. Refrigerant liquefier 40 is, for example, a Stirling refrigerator. Note that it is not limited to the Stirling refrigerator as long as the refrigerant having a predetermined boiling point can be liquefied.

Around inner box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are disposed. One end of first refrigerant pipe 50 and one end of second refrigerant pipe 60 at the highest position of the respective refrigerant pipes are connected to refrigerant liquefier 40. Each of first refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 makes up a thermosiphon.

First refrigerant pipe 50 includes first inclined portion 51, first side vertical portion 52, and first rear vertical portion 53.

First inclined portion 51 is disposed directly above inner box 20, or more specifically, directly above ceiling 21. Ceiling 21 and first inclined portion 51 are parallel to each other. That is, first inclined portion 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

First inclined portion 51 meanders so as to substantially cover the right half of ceiling 21. First inclined portion 51 is attached to ceiling 21 with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like such that first inclined portion 51 is in direct contact with the outer surface of ceiling 21.

First inclined portion 51 is connected to first side vertical portion 52 via a bent portion. First side vertical portion 52 is disposed on a side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the right side of right side wall 22. Right side wall 22 and first side vertical portion 52 are parallel to each other.

First side vertical portion 52 is connected to first rear vertical portion 53. First rear vertical portion 53 is disposed on the rear side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the rear side of rear side wall 23. Rear side wall 23 and first rear vertical portion 53 are parallel to each other.

First refrigerant pipe 50 largely meanders between the right side of right side wall 22 and the rear side of rear side wall 23 so as to alternately form first side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical portion 53, and gradually extends downward as it meanders. That is, in plan view, first side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical portion 53 are substantially perpendicular along right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23. In other words, the vertical portion composed of first side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical portion 53 is bent substantially 90° in plan view. Naturally, this angle changes in accordance with the changed angle between right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 when the angle between right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 is changed.

First side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical portion 53 are attached to right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23, respectively, with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like so as to be in direct contact with right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23.

Second refrigerant pipe 60 includes second inclined portion 61, a second side vertical portion (not illustrated), and second rear vertical portion 63.

Second inclined portion 61 is disposed directly above inner box 20, or more specifically, directly above ceiling 21. Ceiling 21 and second inclined portion 61 are parallel to each other. That is, second inclined portion 61 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

Second inclined portion 61 meanders so as to substantially cover the left half of ceiling 21. Second inclined portion 61 is attached to ceiling 21 with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like so as to be in direct contact with the outer surface of ceiling 21.

Second inclined portion 61 is connected to the second side vertical portion via a bent portion. The second side vertical portion is disposed on a side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the left side of the left side wall. The left side wall and the second side vertical portion are parallel to each other.

The second side vertical portion is connected to second rear vertical portion 63. Second rear vertical portion 63 is disposed on the rear side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the rear side of rear side wall 23. Rear side wall 23 and second rear vertical portion 63 are parallel to each other.

Second refrigerant pipe 60 largely meanders between the left side of the left side wall and the rear side of rear side wall 23 so as to alternately form the second side vertical portion and second rear vertical portion 63, and extends downward as it meanders. That is, in plan view, the second side vertical portion and second rear vertical portion 63 are substantially perpendicular along the left side wall and rear side wall 23. In other words, the vertical portion including the second side vertical portion and second rear vertical portion 63 is bent substantially 90° in plan view. Naturally, this angle changes in accordance with the angle between the left side wall and rear side wall 23 when the angle between the left side wall and rear side wall 23 is changed.

The second side vertical portion and second rear vertical portion 63 are attached to the left side wall and rear side wall 23, respectively, with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like so as to be in direct contact with the left side wall and rear side wall 23.

First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are connected at connecting portion 70 to prevent reduction in the cooling action at portions in the vicinity of the other ends (the ends that are not connected to refrigerant liquefier 40) thereof due to stop of the flow of the refrigerant at the other ends. Thus, the refrigerant can flow from one to the other, and a sufficient cooling action can be obtained even at the other ends.

Refrigeration apparatus 1 configured as described above operates as follows.

Refrigerant liquefier 40 liquefies the refrigerant and supplies the liquefied refrigerant to first refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60. Hereinafter, phenomena and their actions that occur in and around first refrigerant pipe 50 will be mainly described. The same phenomena occur also in and around second refrigerant pipe 60, and the same effects can be obtained.

The refrigerant supplied to first refrigerant pipe 50 flows downward inside first refrigerant pipe 50 by the action of gravity. At this time, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the interior of the cooling chamber through first refrigerant pipe 50 and inner box 20. That is, the refrigerant of the liquid phase flows downward while exchanging heat. Thus, the interior of the cooling chamber is cooled, and the refrigerant is heated.

When the temperature of the refrigerant exceeds the boiling point of the refrigerant, the refrigerant is vaporized. By the latent heat at this time, the interior of the cooling chamber is further cooled.

The vaporized refrigerant flows upward inside first refrigerant pipe 50. Upon reaching one end of first refrigerant pipe 50, the refrigerant is again cooled and liquefied by refrigerant liquefier 40. The liquefied refrigerant again flows downward inside first refrigerant pipe 50.

The above-mentioned flow and phase change of the refrigerant are repeated, and the interior of the cooling chamber is cooled to a target temperature.

In the present embodiment, first refrigerant pipe 50 includes first inclined portion 51. First inclined portion 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Thus, the refrigerant in the liquid phase state can flow from a high position to a low position in first inclined portion 51, and the refrigerant in the vapor phase state can flow from a low position to a high position in first inclined portion 51.

Thus, the refrigerant flowing inside first inclined portion 51 can cool the interior of the cooling chamber from the upper side of the cooling chamber through ceiling 21.

Moreover, the refrigerant of the liquid phase, i.e., the refrigerant whose temperature is lower than the boiling point of the refrigerant flows inside first inclined portion 51. Thus, the interior of the cooling chamber can be more effectively cooled from the upper side of the cooling chamber.

Further, first inclined portion 51 meanders so as to substantially cover the right half of ceiling 21. Thus, the interior of the cooling chamber can be uniformly cooled from the upper side of the cooling chamber through a wide area of ceiling 21.

In addition, in the present embodiment, first inclined portion 51 and first side vertical portion 52 are connected to each other via a bent portion. The bending angle of the bent portion is set to an angle at which the flow of the refrigerant of the liquid phase and the gas phase is not prevented. In particular, the angle is set such that the air bubbles formed by the refrigerant of the gas phase does not stay. Thus, the refrigerant of the liquid phase flowing inside first inclined portion 51 can flow into first side vertical portion 52 without any trouble. In addition, the refrigerant of the gas phase flowing inside first side vertical portion 52 can flow into first inclined portion 51 without any trouble. Thus, the refrigerant cooled by refrigerant liquefier 40 can be supplied from one end to the other end of first refrigerant pipe 50. In addition, formation of a place where effective heat exchange cannot be caused can be prevented.

Moreover, first side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical portion 53 meander so as to gradually extend downward such that the refrigerant alternately goes back and forth the right side of right side wall 22 and the rear side of rear side wall 23. Thus, the refrigerant can uniformly cool the cooling chamber from the two surfaces through right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, the cooling chamber is uniformly cooled from its upper, right, rear, and left sides. Thus, occurrence of imbalances of the temperature distribution inside the cooling chamber can be prevented.

In addition, in the present embodiment, ceiling 21 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, ceiling 21 is inclined such that the front side is higher. That is, the interior of the cooling chamber is larger in its near side (front side). Thus, the present embodiment has an advantage in that the depth side can be seen without being obstructed by objects to be cooled placed on the front side in the cooling chamber, and that the hands can reach the objects to be cooled placed on the depth side.

Next, other embodiments, mainly differences from the above-described embodiment, will be described. FIG. 3 is a right side view of inner box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50, and second refrigerant pipe 60 which are provided in refrigeration apparatus 1 according to another embodiment.

Ceiling 21 is horizontal. First inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a gap is provided between ceiling 21 and first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61.

In this embodiment, a plurality of support members 80 are disposed on ceiling 21. Each support member 80 includes leg portion 81 for supporting first inclined portion 51 or second inclined portion 61 from below, and base 82 for supporting leg portion 81 from below. That is, each support member 80 supports first inclined portion 51 or second inclined portion 61 from below.

Each support member 80 is formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity such as a metal. Each leg 81 is in close contact with first inclined portion 51 or second inclined portion 61. Each base 82 is in close contact with ceiling 21. Thus, the refrigerant flowing inside first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 can cool the cooling chamber through the support member 80.

Naturally, each support member 80 is not limited to the above-described shape and material as long as first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 can be supported in a thermally conductive manner.

In addition, in the present embodiment, bottom 24 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 include first downward inclined portion 54 and a second downward inclined portion (not illustrated) connected to first rear vertical portion 53 and second rear vertical portion 63, respectively (see FIG. 1).

The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion are connected to first rear vertical portion 53 and second rear vertical portion 63, respectively, via a bent portion (see FIG. 1). Note that the angles of the bent portions are set as with the bending angle between first inclined portion 51 and first side vertical portion 52 and the bending angle between second inclined portion 61 and the second side vertical portion in the above-described embodiment, respectively. Thus, the same effect can be obtained.

The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion is disposed directly below inner box 20, or more specifically, directly below bottom 24. Bottom 24 and the first downward inclined portion 54 are parallel to each other. Bottom 24 and the second downward inclined portion are parallel to each other. That is, the first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

The first downward inclined portion 54 meanders so as to substantially cover the right half of bottom 24. The second downward inclined portion meanders so as to substantially cover the left half of bottom 24. The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion are attached to bottom 24 with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like so as to be in direct contact with the outer surface of bottom 24.

First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are connected at connecting portion 70 as in the above-described embodiment.

In the present embodiment in which first refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are disposed as described above, the refrigerant can cool the cooling chamber even through bottom 24. In this manner, in the present embodiment, the cooling chamber is uniformly cooled from above, right side, rear side, left side, and below. Thus, occurrence of imbalances of the temperature distribution inside the cooling chamber can be more effectively prevented.

Note that, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist.

For example, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present invention is not limited to a refrigeration apparatus, and may be a medical freezer, a showcase, a refrigerated warehouse, an ice maker, or the like.

Both ceiling 21 and bottom 24 may be inclined. Both ceiling 21 and bottom 24 may be horizontal, and may be connected to first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61, and the first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion, respectively, via the support member 80.

The number of refrigerant pipes is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. In the case where one refrigerant pipe is provided, the one refrigerant pipe includes an inclined portion disposed above ceiling 21, and a vertical portion that largely meanders along the outer surface of right side wall 22, rear side wall 23 and the left side wall.

In the case where three refrigerant pipes are provided, one refrigerant pipe includes an inclined portion disposed above ceiling 21 and a vertical portion disposed along the outer surface of right side wall 22. In addition, another refrigerant pipe includes an inclined portion disposed above ceiling 21 and a vertical portion disposed along the outer surface of rear side wall 23. In addition, yet another refrigerant pipe includes an inclined portion disposed above ceiling 21 and a vertical portion disposed along the outer surface of the left side wall.

First inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 may not be parallel to ceiling 21 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this case, although a gap is formed between ceiling 21 and first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61, the cooling chamber can be cooled from above through ceiling 21 by supporting first inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 by the support member 80.

The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion may not be parallel to bottom 24 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this case, although a gap is formed between bottom 24 and the first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion, the cooling chamber can be cooled from below through bottom 24 by supporting the first downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion by the support member 80.

First side vertical portion 52, first rear vertical portion 53, the second side vertical portion, or second rear vertical portion 63 may be supported at right side wall 22, rear side wall 23, or the left side wall through a member having a good thermal conductivity such as support member 80.

The disclosure of the description, the scope of claims, the drawings and the abstract contained in Japanese patent application No. 2018-039701, filed Mar. 6, 2018, is all incorporated in this application.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is suitably utilized as a refrigeration apparatus for on-off control of a compressor.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Refrigeration apparatus -   10 Outer box -   20 Inner box -   21 Ceiling -   22 Right side wall -   23 Rear side wall -   24 Bottom -   30 Door -   40 Refrigerant liquefier -   50 First refrigerant pipe -   51 First inclined portion -   52 First side vertical portion -   53 First rear vertical portion -   54 First downward inclined portion -   60 Second refrigerant pipe -   61 Second inclined portion -   63 Second rear vertical portion -   70 Connecting portion -   80 Support member -   81 Leg -   82 Base 

1. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: an inner box surrounding a cooling chamber; a refrigerant liquefier disposed at a position higher than the inner box; and a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant liquefier, the refrigerant pipe comprising an inclined portion disposed directly above the inner box in a state where the inclined portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
 2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a ceiling of the inner box is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
 3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ceiling of the inner box and the inclined portion are parallel to each other.
 4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion is in contact with the ceiling of the inner box.
 5. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat transfer member, wherein a ceiling of the inner box is horizontal, and the inclined portion is supported at the ceiling of the inner box through the heat transfer member.
 6. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion is meandering.
 7. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the refrigerant pipes are provided.
 8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe comprises a vertical portion connected to the inclined portion and disposed parallel to a vertical plane.
 9. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the vertical portion is arranged along two or more sides of the inner box, and is bent at a predetermined angle in plan view.
 10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe comprises a lower inclined portion disposed directly below the inner box in a state where the lower inclined portion is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
 11. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion causes a refrigerant of a liquid phase to flow through the inclined portion. 